The Death of Alex Trebek: Why the Jeopardy Game Show Host Became Family to So Many by Dawn Taylor

About a year ago I wrote about my family’s nightly ritual of watching Jeopardy and how host Alex Trebek’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prognosis was affecting us. He was optimistic from the start even as, by his own accounts, he was sick from chemo and battling depression. Still, he insisted on working, and his love for the contestants and his viewers on Jeopardy was always evident.

This past year, he became even more engaged with show contestants. It was as if he was slowly and gracefully signing off. At least that’s how I saw it. He seemed more at ease than ever before as he chatted with players. He even teared up a few times when they shared special messages to him and stories about how important he was to their lives in both big and small ways. He came back to a new season with the same passion and professionalism that he always brought to the table, but I felt this year we saw a little deeper into who he was.

He continued to work even as he was heroically fighting a battle with pancreatic cancer, a battle he knew he was losing. Finding out that he worked until October 29, 2020, still entertaining us while knowing he was nearing the end, illustrates how loyal to us he was. A truly remarkable man.

I didn’t know Alex Trebek personally, but like so many who spent an hour with him most nights, it was obvious he was special. His steady voice was something we could count on. His warm homage to his homeland of Canada, was, well, very Canadian. He was truly one of a kind.

As 2020 nears its end, I take solace in knowing that we still have him to look forward to on episodes of Jeopardy, into the holidays, as a little piece of normal during these strange times. A gift to us.

Rest in peace, Alex Trebek. You will be missed.

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